Pacer Bhuvneshwar credits success to sticking to basics

Till last season of the domestic T20 League, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was like any other player of Pune Warriors. But within a few months, things changed dramatically, and the reason for it was his great showing in domestic and international cricket.

Till last season of the domestic T20 League, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was like any other player of Pune Warriors. But within a few months, things changed dramatically, and the reason for it was his great showing in domestic and international cricket.

In his last two seasons with the side, he got just 15 matches, including four in his first season in 2011. But this year, he has been the darling of the side.“He (Bhuvi) has been a wonderful bowler and we find him a great human being too," said Steven Smith. “The way he has been bowling this season is amazing and I do believe that he will have a longer journey in Indian cricket,” added Smith, who was surprised by Bhuvi’s bowling during the recent India-Australia Test series.

Enjoying the successBut all-round praise hasn’t changed the man in question. “I am happy the way things are going on and am enjoying it,” Bhuvneshwar said on Sunday. “This doesn't mean I should get overconfident as every match brings different challenges. So I remain focused on the line and length of my deliveries.”He, however, accepted that in T20, he pays more attention to bowling in the right areas.

“Nobody wants to bowl when Chris Gayle bats and his hammering against us at Bangalore was scary for the bowlers, but I stuck to the basics even while bowling to him,” he said. “That’s why I conceded just 23 runs in my four-over quota that day.”

He felt that sticking to the basics of swing bowling have contributed to his success so far. “I love to surprise rivals with my swinging deliveries, and even before Gayle I had done my homework,” said the 23-year-old.

Pune on trackAfter David Warner powered Delhi Daredevils to a fighting 164 at the new venue here, Pune Warriors were on track with Yuvraj Singh leading the charge.